What is video gaming, and how did it start? It all started in 1949, when a young engineer named Ralph Baer was given an assignment to build a television set. He wasn’t supposed to build just any television set, but one that would be the absolute best of all televisions. This was not a problem for Baer, but he wanted to go beyond this assignment and incorporate some kind of game into the set. He didn’t know exactly what kind of game he had in mind, but it didn’t really matter because his managers thought the idea was crazy. It would take another 18 years for his idea to become a reality, and by that time there would be other people who’d have the same idea, like Willy Higinbotham, who designed an interactive tennis game played on an oscilloscope, and Steve Russell, who programmed a rudimentary space game on a DEC PDP-1 mainframe computer.
The history of video gaming is not just about companies such as Atari–an American company with a Japanese name, and the Japanese company Sega was started by an American. Or Sony, the company that invented all types of electronics, from transistor radios to video recorders, would release a video game console that would become its top-selling product of all time. No, the history of video gaming is really a story of human nature. And in a world where video games are often cited as a source for teenage violence and addiction, it seems appropriate to discuss the pros and cons.
As guest co-host for this show, I took the side of “pro video games” while Dr. Gamblin took the side of being against video games. And for the most part, I truly do think that video games have their place in our very busy, technologically-filled lives. Our children will need to be very technologically aware as they make their way through life.
At age three, my daughter could install simple games on the computer. She played Reader Rabbit for Toddlers and learned her colors, shapes, simple math, amongst other things. And she also learned to use a keyboard correctly. By the time she was ready for kindergarten, she was quite advanced in reading and math and still greatly enjoyed her computer games. My younger daughter has taken the same path. And both girls still really enjoy the educational games that are out there.
Now other games have become popular to both children as the Wii and PlayStation have become part of our household. But just last night, both girls and both parents were upstairs trying to keep up to Dance Dance Revolution. There was a lot of laughter – straight out hilarity, actually, as both Mom and Dad fumbled around, trying desperately to just stay ON the mat while our 12-year-old danced circles around us. But we had FUN. We laughed together as a family and encouraged both girls as they giggled the night away. Was it educational? Probably not. But as a family, it was a bonding time. And I’m here to tell you, it’s GREAT exercise.
Obviously, video gaming is a personal decision – one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Choosing games wisely, guarding your time, etc. need to all be taken into consideration. Each parent needs to decide whether or not the games are a help or hinderance to their child and to their family. Addictions can and do happen. So while I’m all for video gaming, I’m also all for being aware of what is best for you and for your children.
What are your thoughts?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
So do you think that games actually help some children learn?
I think gaming is of the devil. I’ve never played a game and I never let my children. They’ve turnned out pretty good, if I say so myself. I’m surprised that you’d even suggest it is okay.
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